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ScatterFest brings out a crowd in Wabbaseka

Wabbaseka is a small hamlet located in the northeast corner of Jefferson County that most people might pass through without taking notice, but during ScatterFest the town is hard to ignore.

People passing by during Saturday’s annual event could be seen turning their heads to look at what is usually a quiet park between U.S. Highway 79 and the railroad tracks. Music bellowed through the city park as smoke filled the air from the large cooker that prepared ribs, pork roast and turkey legs. Kids of all ages played football and ate popcorn as the older participants took refuge under some of the many pecan trees that shaded the scene from a bright summer sun.

Jefferson County Judge Dutch King was on hand with county workers that had been sent to clean the park for the event. The judge and others sat in chairs listening to the many band that lined up for the day’s events. Th day began with gospel music that started the day and at around 3 p.m. blues bands began to.

Michael Graydon said festival organizers expected at least 300 people to attend.

“This event is to get the community to come together for the music and the food and fellowship,” Graydon said.

Wabbaseka has seen its schools closed and a loss of community but the festival aims to bring people back to strengthen that relationship according to Graydon,

“It’s about the people,” he said.

One group that was at the event and trying to make the town better was the Wabbaseka Memorial Committee which was there to gather donations to build an Arkansas Flag Memorial to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the state flag. For details, contact jirby@aristotle.net or call 501-907-6710.